Patents by Inventor Derek R. DeVries

Derek R. DeVries has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9664491
    Abstract: Connection cables for separable firing unit assemblies comprise a first mating connector at a first end and a second mating connector at a second, opposing end. A stripline cable electrically connects the first mating connector to the second mating connector. Separable firing unit assemblies comprise an initiation device. An electronics assembly is configured to transmit a firing pulse to the initiation device. One of a first mating connector and a second mating connector is coupled to the initiation device and the other of the first mating connector and the second mating connector is coupled to the electronics assembly. A second housing of the second mating connector is configured to receive a portion of a first housing of the first mating connector therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Orbital ATK, Inc.
    Inventors: Derek R DeVries, Brent D. Madsen, Eldon C. Peterson, Donald L. Jackson, William W. Thorup
  • Patent number: 9429403
    Abstract: A flight safety assembly onboard an aerial vehicle includes a first sensor configured to sense first information related to flight of the aerial vehicle and a second sensor configured to sense second information related to the flight of the aerial vehicle. A sensor input is adapted to receive third information related to the flight of the aerial vehicle. A processor is operably coupled to the first sensor, the second sensor, and the sensor input. The processor is configured to determine three independent instantaneous impact points for the aerial vehicle by independently analyzing each of the first information, the second information and the third information. The processor is also configured to generate three independent onboard flight termination indicators for each of the three independent instantaneous impact points that intersects with a region to be protected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Orbital ATK, Inc.
    Inventors: George B. Papadopoulos, Derek R. Devries, Steven W. Thomas, Timothy J. Van Dixhorn, Charles L. Weigel, Charles L. Dedon
  • Publication number: 20150285606
    Abstract: Connection cables for separable firing unit assemblies comprise a first mating connector at a first end and a second mating connector at a second, opposing end. A stripline cable electrically connects the first mating connector to the second mating connector. Separable firing unit assemblies comprise an initiation device. An electronics assembly is configured to transmit a firing pulse to the initiation device. One of a first mating connector and a second mating connector is coupled to the initiation device and the other of the first mating connector and the second mating connector is coupled to the electronics assembly. A second housing of the second mating connector is configured to receive a portion of a first housing of the first mating connector therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Publication date: October 8, 2015
    Inventors: Derek R. DeVries, Brent D. Madsen, Eldon C. Peterson, Donald L. Jackson, William W. Thorup
  • Patent number: 9127918
    Abstract: A distributed ordnance system comprises a plurality of ordnance controllers and a plurality of firing units. Each ordnance controller of the plurality of ordnance controllers may be operably coupled with at least one firing unit of the plurality of firing units. Each ordnance controller may be configured to provide power signals to the at least one firing unit coupled therewith, and communicate with the at least one firing unit for initiation of an ordnance event. A multiple-stage ordnance system may comprise a first stage and a second stage that each include an ordnance controller configured to control operation of an ordnance event, and at least one firing unit to initiate the ordnance event. Related methods for constructing a multiple-stage ordnance control system and controlling initiation of an energetic material are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: ALLIANT TECHSYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: Derek R. DeVries, Brent D. Madsen, Eldon C. Peterson, Donald L. Jackson, William W. Thorup
  • Patent number: 9115970
    Abstract: A high voltage firing unit may comprise a high voltage converter, a capacitive discharge unit, and a control unit. The high voltage converter may be configured to generate a high voltage output signal from a lower voltage input signal. The capacitive discharge unit may be configured to store energy from the high voltage output signal across an energy storage device, and to discharge energy from the energy storage device in response to a fire control signal. The control unit operably may be configured to communicate with an external ordnance controller and control internal operations of the high voltage firing unit. An ordnance system, may comprise a high voltage firing unit and an ordnance controller configured to communicate data with the control unit and at least one power signal to the high voltage converter. A method for operating a high voltage firing unit is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: ORBITAL ATK, INC.
    Inventors: Derek R. DeVries, Brent D. Madsen, Eldon C. Peterson, Donald L. Jackson, William W. Thorup, Scott K. Lusk
  • Publication number: 20150192397
    Abstract: A high voltage firing unit may comprise a high voltage converter, a capacitive discharge unit, and a control unit. The high voltage converter may be configured to generate a high voltage output signal from a lower voltage input signal. The capacitive discharge unit may be configured to store energy from the high voltage output signal across an energy storage device, and to discharge energy from the energy storage device in response to a fire control signal. The control unit operably may be configured to communicate with an external ordnance controller and control internal operations of the high voltage firing unit. An ordnance system, may comprise a high voltage firing unit and an ordnance controller configured to communicate data with the control unit and at least one power signal to the high voltage converter. A method for operating a high voltage firing unit is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Publication date: July 9, 2015
    Applicant: ALLIANT TECHSYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: Derek R. DeVries, Brent D. Madsen, Eldon C. Peterson, Donald L. Jackson, William W. Thorup, Scott K. Lusk
  • Publication number: 20140330457
    Abstract: A flight safety assembly onboard an aerial vehicle includes a first sensor configured to sense first information related to flight of the aerial vehicle and a second sensor configured to sense second information related to the flight of the aerial vehicle. A sensor input is adapted to receive third information related to the flight of the aerial vehicle. A processor is operably coupled to the first sensor, the second sensor, and the sensor input. The processor is configured to determine three independent instantaneous impact points for the aerial vehicle by independently analyzing each of the first information, the second information and the third information. The processor is also configured to generate three independent onboard flight termination indicators for each of the three independent instantaneous impact points that intersects with a region to be protected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventors: George B. PAPADOPOULOS, Derek R. DEVRIES, Steven W. THOMAS, Timothy J. VAN DIXHORN, Charles I. WEIGEL, Charles L. DEDON
  • Patent number: 8868258
    Abstract: A flight safety assembly onboard an aerial vehicle includes a first sensor configured to sense first information related to flight of the aerial vehicle and a second sensor configured to sense second information related to the flight of the aerial vehicle. A sensor input is adapted to receive third information related to the flight of the aerial vehicle. A processor is operably coupled to the first sensor, the second sensor, and the sensor input. The processor is configured to determine three independent instantaneous impact points for the aerial vehicle by independently analyzing each of the first information, the second information and the third information. The processor is also configured to generate three independent onboard flight termination indicators for each of the three independent instantaneous impact points that intersects with a region to be protected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: George B. Papadopoulos, Derek R. DeVries, Steven W. Thomas, Timothy J. Van Dixhorn, Charles L Weigel, Charles L. Dedon
  • Patent number: 8863665
    Abstract: Connection cables for separable firing unit assemblies comprise a first mating connector at a first end and a second mating connector at a second, opposing end. A stripline cable electrically connects the first mating connector to the second mating connector. Separable firing unit assemblies comprise an initiation device. An electronics assembly is configured to transmit a firing pulse to the initiation device. One of a first mating connector and a second mating connector is coupled to the initiation device and the other of the first mating connector and the second mating connector is coupled to the electronics assembly. A second housing of the second mating connector is configured to receive a portion of a first housing of the first mating connector therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Derek R. DeVries, Brent D. Madsen, Eldon C. Peterson, Donald L. Jackson, William W. Thorup
  • Publication number: 20140069289
    Abstract: A distributed ordnance system comprises a plurality of ordnance controllers and a plurality of firing units. Each ordnance controller of the plurality of ordnance controllers may be operably coupled with at least one firing unit of the plurality of firing units. Each ordnance controller may be configured to provide power signals to the at least one firing unit coupled therewith, and communicate with the at least one firing unit for initiation of an ordnance event. A multiple-stage ordnance system may comprise a first stage and a second stage that each include an ordnance controller configured to control operation of an ordnance event, and at least one firing unit to initiate the ordnance event. Related methods for constructing a multiple-stage ordnance control system and controlling initiation of an energetic material are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: ALLIANT TECHSYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: Derek R. DeVries, Brent D. Madsen, Eldon C. Peterson, Donald L. Jackson, William W. Thorup
  • Publication number: 20140067164
    Abstract: Embodiments include a flight safety assembly onboard an aerial vehicle, which includes a first sensor configured to sense first information related to flight of the aerial vehicle and a second sensor configured to sense second information related to the flight of the aerial vehicle. A sensor input is adapted to receive third information related to the flight of the aerial vehicle. A processor is operably coupled to the first sensor, the second sensor, and the sensor input. The processor is configured to determine three independent instantaneous impact points for the aerial vehicle by independently analyzing each of the first information, the second information and the third information. The processor is also configured to generate three independent onboard flight termination indicators for each of the three independent instantaneous impact points that intersects with a region to be protected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: ALLIANT TECHSYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: George B. Papadopoulos, Derek R. DeVries, Steven W. Thomas, Timothy J. Van Dixhorn, Charles L. Weigel, Charles L. Dedon
  • Publication number: 20130174755
    Abstract: Connection cables for separable firing unit assemblies comprise a first mating connector at a first end and a second mating connector at a second, opposing end. A stripline cable electrically connects the first mating connector to the second mating connector. Separable firing unit assemblies comprise an initiation device. An electronics assembly is configured to transmit a firing pulse to the initiation device. One of a first mating connector and a second mating connector is coupled to the initiation device and the other of the first mating connector and the second mating connector is coupled to the electronics assembly. A second housing of the second mating connector is configured to receive a portion of a first housing of the first mating connector therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: ALLIANT TECHSYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: Derek R. DeVries, Brent D. Madsen, Eldon C. Peterson, Donald L. Jackson, William W. Thorup
  • Patent number: 8141490
    Abstract: A safe and arm device includes a booster base assembly having a booster base housing and a barrier. The booster base housing includes a shaft port extending substantially in line with a longitudinal axis, at least three initiator ports disposed about the axis, and a matching number of explosive transfer paths in respective communication with the at least three initiator ports. The barrier includes a matching number of fire-train transfer ports and a drive shaft. The drive shaft of the barrier is coupled within the shaft port of the booster base housing allowing the barrier to be selectively rotationally positioned about the axis into at least one of a safe position and an arm and fire position, allowing the fire-train transfer ports to be substantially aligned with the explosive transfer paths when the barrier is positioned in the arm and fire position. A booster basket assembly is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Derek R. DeVries, Brent D. Madsen, Scott R. Jamison
  • Publication number: 20110005421
    Abstract: A safe and arm device includes a booster base assembly having a booster base housing and a barrier. The booster base housing includes a shaft port extending substantially in line with a longitudinal axis, at least three initiator ports disposed about the axis, and a matching number of explosive transfer paths in respective communication with the at least three initiator ports. The barrier includes a matching number of fire-train transfer ports and a drive shaft. The drive shaft of the barrier is coupled within the shaft port of the booster base housing allowing the barrier to be selectively rotationally positioned about the axis into at least one of a safe position and an arm and fire position, allowing the fire-train transfer ports to be substantially aligned with the explosive transfer paths when the barrier is positioned in the arm and fire position. A booster basket assembly is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: ALLIANT TECHSYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: Derek R. DeVries, Brent D. Madsen, Scott R. Jamison
  • Patent number: 7784404
    Abstract: A safe and arm device includes a booster base assembly having a booster base housing and a barrier. The booster base housing includes a shaft port extending substantially in line with a longitudinal axis, at least three initiator ports disposed about the axis, and a matching number of explosive transfer paths in respective communication with the at least three initiator ports. The barrier includes a matching number of fire-train transfer ports and a drive shaft. The drive shaft of the barrier is coupled within the shaft port of the booster base housing allowing the barrier to be selectively rotationally positioned about the axis into at least one of a safe position and an arm and fire position, allowing the fire-train transfer ports to be substantially aligned with the explosive transfer paths when the barrier is positioned in the arm and fire position. A booster basket assembly is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Derek R. DeVries, Brent D. Madsen, Scott R. Jamison
  • Publication number: 20090114110
    Abstract: A safe and arm device includes a booster base assembly having a booster base housing and a rotatable barrier. The booster base housing includes a shaft port extending substantially inline with a longitudinal axis, at least three initiator ports disposed about the axis, and a matching number of explosive transfer paths in respective communication with the at least three initiator ports. The barrier includes a matching number of fire-train transfer ports and a drive shaft. The drive shaft of the barrier is coupled within the shaft port of the booster base housing allowing the barrier to be selectively rotationally positioned about the axis into at least one of a safe position and an arm and fire position, allowing the fire-train transfer ports to be substantially aligned with the explosive transfer paths when the barrier is positioned in the arm and fire position. A booster basket assembly is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicant: ALLIANT TECHSYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: Derek R. Devries, Brent D. Madsen, Scott R. Jamison
  • Patent number: 6401032
    Abstract: An apparatus for automatically disseminating information corresponding to a location comprises a location identification device for providing a current location, a presentation device for presenting the information to a user, a controller operably connected to control the presentation device, and a storage device operably connected to the controller for storing the information and predefined location data linking the location to the information. In one embodiment, the controller may comprise a processor programmed to receive the current location from the location identification device and compare the current location with the predefined location data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Inventors: Scott R. Jamison, Derek R. DeVries, Richard L. Jamison
  • Patent number: 6085148
    Abstract: An apparatus for automatically disseminating information corresponding to a location includes a location identification device for providing a current location, a presentation device for presenting the information to a user, a controller operably connected to control the presentation device, and a storage device operably connected to the controller for storing the information and predefined location data linking the location to the information. In one embodiment, the controller may includes a processor programmed to receive the current location from the location identification device and compare the current location with the predefined location data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Inventors: Scott R. Jamison, Derek R. DeVries, Richard L. Jamison